Special Investigation – SIR/28
February 2010

RECOMMENDATIONS

Local Governments
1. Local governments should consider fuel hazard and wildfire risk and should require mitigation measures before approving new development in interface areas.
2. Local governments should take advantage of the fuel management program, build on the experience of others described in this report and manage the hazardous fuels in and around their community.

Provincial Government
3. The provincial government should make fuel management easier for communities. Possible actions include:

• Setting provincial stocking standards for interface areas so that local governments do not have to negotiate them individually with MFR district managers.
• Establishing interface areas where public safety is the first priority.
• Addressing administrative issues regarding stumpage, appraisal, and international trade to remove them as barriers to local governments taking action.
• Addressing the need for funding to sustain the program over the long-term.
• Fostering, encouraging and supporting innovation; local communities may have suggestions for addressing fuel management issues such as liability, jurisdiction and sustainable funding.

4. The provincial government should lead the development of best management practices for the management of debris from fuel treatments.